Executive Director
THE ATHENS PHOTO PROJECT
About APP
Founded in 2000 by mental health advocate Elise Sanford, Athens Photographic Project is a non-profit organization based in Athens, Ohio. APP strengthens mental health recovery by providing individuals with the opportunity to engage in self-discovery, creative expression, and community contribution through the arts.
Can you tell me a brief history of APP?
Has APP changed over the years? How has it grown?
Elise Sanford
APP Growth
"Photography provides a tool for community members who are marginalized. This program gives them a voice."
Executive Director Role
Nate Thomson started as a volunteer at APP in the early 2000's while studying photojournalism at Ohio University. In 2007 he was living in Portland, OR with his wife when he got a call from Elise Sanford about the Executive Director role opening. Since Nate took over, the program has grown from 4 artists to 60. The non-profit has moved out of rented space to their own building and has expanded their class offerings.
“Be yourself and your work becomes an extension of your personality. The best boss I had was very transparent when it came to the workplace. I try to do the same at APP with my employees, volunteers and artists.”
“I love the freedom to approach managing APP as a creative endeavor. It allows me to do everything from teaching, administrative responsibilities and the development side, which is really my main focus.”
“There’s value to experimenting and following a whim. At APP, we operate under a strategic 5 year plan, but I often tinker and experiment with my ideas for the project long before I take a proposal to my board.”
How would you describe your leadership style?
Leadership Style
What type of frustrations do you have, if any, as the director of a small non-profit?
What type of frustrations do you have, if any, as the director of a small non-profit?
Frustrations
What role does empathy play for you as the director?
Empathy as a Leader
Any advice for someone who wants to work for or create a similar non-profit?
Managing a Non-Profit
Being such a small organization, is there a certain type of employee or person you prefer to manage and work with?
Employees
Do you feel like you are able to maintain a work-life balance?
